Sunday School starts at 9:30 AM
Sunday Worship starts at 10:30 AM United Missionary Baptist Church History
February 24, 1963 – October 30, 2024
The establishment of United Missionary Baptist Church, Middletown, Ohio is a unique slice of African-American history. The church was conceived at an organizational meeting on February 24, 1963. The participating architects were the late Rev. James Hollom
an, the late Rev. Frank Rawls, the late Deacon Percy L. Jefferson, and the late Deacon Coleman Roberts. For the sake of unity and spiritual enrichment, it was proposed that what were then two separate churches, Friendship Baptist and Union Baptist, be merged into a single, cohesive congregation. A short time later, the wisdom and spirit of this endeavor touched New Hope Baptist Church, then under the leadership of the late Rev. Lambert. The late Deacon Coleman Roberts was commissioned to draft a comprehensive merger procedure. The North Carolina A&T graduate submitted a twelve-point plan which was unanimously accepted by the consolidated congregations on August 9, 1963. The United Missionary Baptist Church was born. With the consummation of the merger, the late Rev. James Holloman, the former director of Christian Education at Mt. Enon Baptist Church in Dayton, OH, was extended and accepted the call to serve as pastor of this newly formed church. Other officers who were instrumental in the merger were the late Deacons William Gregory, Gary Williams, Dallas Jackson, William Graves, Mack Langster, Charlie Cunningham, David Green, John Dickerson, John Peebles, James Simpson, Rev. Henry Teasley, and Rev. Under the inspired leadership of the late Rev. Holloman, the congregation soon outgrew the edifice, which had been the Union Baptist Church. Edison School was rented for Sunday Worship Services, and construction began on a new church building on the corner of Eighteenth Avenue and Minnesota Street, the site of the former New Hope Baptist Church. On September 5, 1965, the congregation occupied its new spiritual home. During the ensuing years, a number of dreams were realized. A parsonage was purchased, an air-conditioning system was installed in the church, and the multi-million dollar United Housing Development was born. Better known as People’s Place, the United Housing Development, with its 119 apartment units, struck a major blow for open housing in Middletown. An ardent apostle for social change, the late Rev. Holloman was a harbinger of hope for the disadvantaged of our city. He fostered educational and occupational equality for African-Americans in Middletown. Simultaneously, the late Rev. Holloman ministered to the United Family and furthered his education at Wilberforce University and Payne Theological Seminary. On January 21, 1975 he stepped beyond Eternity’s vale. The late Rev. Henry Teasley, one of Middletown’s earliest Civil Rights activists, served as interim pastor, and continued to instill the spirit of unity, until May 1976, when the late Rev. Leonard Charles Bennett was called to the pastorate of United. Accomplishments during the tenure of Rev. Bennett included the institution of the James Holloman Memorial Scholarship Fund, revitalization of the Christian Education Department, and burning of the church mortgage. In the spring of 1982, the late now Dr. L. C. Bennett was called to pastor the Gethsemane Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. This dynamic minister passed away on April 1, 2008. Rev. Henry Teasley departed his earthly life on January 8, 2010. Alvin L. Richardson stepped in to serve as interim pastor while the church sought another spiritual leader. In the fall of 1982, Rev. Donald Owen Clay, Jr. was called and accepted the duties as pastor of our congregation. This outstanding gospel preacher filled the pews of United and began an Outreach Television Ministry. In June of 1985, Rev. Clay was called to pastor Mt. Ararat Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Our Senior Outreach Minister, Rev. Alvin Richardson, again served as interim pastor. The now Bishop Donald Owen Clay, Jr. pastors Petra Ministries in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Derrick Span came to United in December, 1985. Span was a very articulate speaker, molded in the concepts and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a social activist and initiated many projects directed toward the betterment of our church and our community. Span’s first son in the ministry was our Youth and Evangelism Minister, Rev. Elmon Prier. Prier directed a program which offered help for those seeking release from the entrapment of drug and alcohol dependence. Meetings for this community-wide program were held at United. Span resigned in February, 1989. Prier was called to pastor the Greater Faith Baptist Church, and served as co-pastor with the church’s founder, Rev. Walter Piper, Jr. He later brought his outstanding ministry back to United. He now serves as an Associate Minister, responsible for the Bible Study Ministry. Span currently resides in Florence, AZ where he is the founder of Pangaea – a diversity and leadership development consulting firm. His unique and distinct training style and intellect has afforded him a national reputation of being one of America’s greatest trainers and social analysts. Alvin Richardson was once again called upon to fill the role of interim pastor. The work of this great servant of God never went unnoticed. Richardson ministered to the sick and shut-in and preached an uncompromising gospel. When health concerns limited his ministerial services, he continued to serve by example and remained a loyal and faithful servant until our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ called him home on February 21, 2013. We truly loved and appreciated Rev. Richardson. In February, 1990, Rev. Shy-Quon Ely was installed as our pastor. Ely brought with him a dynamic and spirit-filled ministry. His stay was not long, but his contributions to the United family will long be remembered. In January, 1991, Rev. Derrick Wakefield was called to pastor United. Wakefield was not installed; however, this outstanding minister had the potential to become one of our finest pastors. He currently spreads God’s Gospel as the Senior Pastor of Freedom Fellowship Christian Church in Knoxville, TN. In March 1993, God once again moved in a favorable way for the United Missionary Baptist Church when He sent us Pastor, Rev. Gregory Tyus. This powerful church and community leader was formerly the pastor of St. Mary Baptist Church, Cincinnati, Ohio. Under his leadership, United continued to be a church “on the move”, inspiring members to realize that God is the way to eternal life. Pastor Tyus was co-founder of Middletown Adolescent Leaders Achieve (MALACHI)—a faith-based organization that oversaw alternative educational programs for local youth. He is a past member of the Middletown City Council and past president of the African-American Ministerial Alliance. In January 2008, he was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Middletown School Board. Upon his return, he was elected and served as its President. In 2011 he was appointed to represent the Middletown City Schools on the Butler Tech School Board (Ohio’s largest career-technical school). On March 19, 2012 United’s illustrious leader was presented the United Way of Greater Cincinnati-Middletown Area Volunteer of the Year award. And in 2013, in addition to Rev. Tyus’ full-time pastoral duties, he was elected to serve as President of the Butler Tech School Board and Vice-President of the Middletown City School Board. He resigned from the Middletown School Board during the 2015-2016 school year; and proudly represented Middletown City Schools on the Butler Tech School Board until his term expired. A few of the numerous accomplishments under his leadership include: an annual Back-to-School Splash—a community outreach where school supplies were distributed to parents and children; Sunday Night Live (SNL) – a monthly youth worship service with young people sharing their gifts; partnership with Rosa Parks Elementary School to provide volunteers and school supplies (members of our church, Sis. Wilhelmina Prier and Sis. Phoebe Jackson, spearheaded efforts in naming the new elementary school); Hallelujah Night, a safe and family-oriented fun fest on October 31st. Due to the overwhelming participation, in 2019 Pastor Tyus reached out to our sister churches and community businesses to coordinate a Fall Harvest Festival to be held at the Robert ‘Sonny’ Hill Community Center. After surviving the corona virus pandemic, Hallelujah Night has returned to our church grounds. Other projects included ‘Saluting our Senior Saints’ - an annual celebration established in 1999 to honor our members, 70 years of age and older, for their faithfulness and unwavering support. In 2017, the inaugural Erma Lee Holloman Legacy Luncheon was held. It holds a two-fold purpose: One, to honor the silent hero Erma Holloman, who stood alongside her husband, the late Rev. James Holloman in the successful birth of the church; secondly, to honor many others, 80 years and older, for their silent leadership within our community. Both events were held biennial (every two years). They have been on hold since the Pandemic. A major focus of Senior Pastor Tyus was studying God’s Word: Wednesday Worship in the Word (Prayer and Bible Study), Sunday School, Saturday Morning Men’s and Women’s Fellowship. Pastor Tyus initiated an ambitious building and renovation program. An addition to Holloman Hall and a new Administration Wing were dedicated in October 2001. During the ‘Year of Jubilee’, our 50th church anniversary in 2013, there were numerous highlights. A few in particular: 1) the creation of the “Feeding The Flock” cookbook that preserves over 450 favorite recipes of our beloved living and dearly departed members, family and friends. 2) United’s 1st Son, J. Phillip Holloman and his wife, Gail gifted the church $200,000 - $100,000 to establish The Holloman Family Scholarship Presented by the United Missionary Church for African-American seniors attending Middletown are high schools; and $100,000 for church operations. The scholarship is renewable for each year the student is enrolled full-time and maintains the required grade point average. As of June 2024, there have been 19 recipients. In 2016, the land next to the church building was acquired and the Legacy Parking Lot was developed. After decades of having our landscaping immaculately maintained by the late Deacon Coleman Roberts and then Sis. Phoebe and Bro. Harold Jackson, an in-ground sprinkler system was installed in 2022. And, in the Spring of 2023, the extreme makeover of the church sanctuary was completed. To God be the Glory – under the direction of the pastor, official board, and members’ financial support – we are debt free! In following the footsteps of our awesome beginning, United’s leadership continues to proudly serve the community. Associate Minister and life-long member of United, Rev. Kendall C. Wright proudly oversaw our Christian Education ministry. He is also president and founder of Entelechy Training and Development, Inc. – an international, full-service professional and personal development firm. For over 25 years he has instructed, enlightened and empowered thousands of managers, employees and leaders around the world. A gifted communicator, and award-winning presenter, “The Actualizer” has received many awards and honors, including having served as President of The National Speakers Association – OH. And served as Board Vice-Chair, on the Board of Trustees of the Greater Miami Valley YMCA. His Senior Pastor duties were greatly enhanced by his ministerial staff: Rev. Elmon W. Prier, Bible Study Ministry; Rev. Wright, Christian Education Ministry; Minister Madolyn Shanea Bennett, Youth Ministry; and Brother Archie Byers, Minister of Music. John W. McGraw, an outstanding member of the ministerial staff passed away on July 17, 1999. Alvin Lee Richardson, a good and faithful servant, passed away on February 21, 2013. Angela L. Frazier left United on July 24, 2016 to fulfill her military duties as Captain in the US Air Force. In September 2019, she was elevated to the rank of Major; and served as the Sr. Executive Officer for the 633rd Air Base Wing Commander at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA, retiring on September 9, 2022 after 25 years of service. For 2019, we embarked on a mission of ‘Building Blocks for a Healthy Body in Christ’. With God’s direction we were striving to strengthen our spiritual foundation by: holding on to God’s unchanging hand; PUSH (Praying until Something Happens); be more loving; be more caring; building a stronger community; building a culture of generosity – all to be more like CHRIST……. And March 2020 put us to the test! The COVID-19 Pandemic (Corona Virus) hit the world, knocking everyone to their knees. In-person worship services and Wednesday Night Bible Study were replaced with ZOOM, a video conferencing online meeting platform. From March 2020 until July 2020, our in-person team consisted a very limited gathering (Pastor Tyus, Rev. Wright, a Deacon, Bro. Archie Byers, the Praise Ensemble, and some members). We instituted online giving, mail-in, drop-off, pick-up of the tithes & offerings. Drive-through Communion pickups in the Legacy Parking Lot on the first Saturday of the month became a big hit. It allowed us to ride through and collect the elements; to wave and smile at each other, sharing love at a safe distance. Under our dynamic, divine-inspired leadership team United stepped up and went beyond the recommended safety guidelines. After extensive research, an air purifying system was purchased and installed to continuously clean the air ducts located in the sanctuary, Holloman Hall and the Administrative Wing. Also, a fogging system is in place to clean all Bibles and hymnals after each use; and all areas touched by human hands are sanitized after each service. Facemasks, hand sanitizing stations, and social distance seating are required within the sanctuary. Gift cards were distributed to our elders and sick & shut-in members to assist with any added expenses occurred during this time. We partnered with Middletown City Schools in distributing lunches to students while they were at home for online learning. On July 10, 2022 we switched from Zoom online meeting to Facebook Live and You Tube TV. Thus, the birth of the Audio-Visual Ministry. A new sound system, TV cameras, new lighting and updated security system has been installed. The Pandemic has allowed us to achieve a higher level of reaching beyond the walls of the church building. We can now spread the Gospel worldwide. It has allowed us to grow our membership and ministerial staff. Minister Debora (Wright) Myree, who was born, baptized and raised here at United, reunited with us and has become another valuable asset to the Team. After over 20 years of dedication to our United Family, Minister of Music, Brother Archie Byers resigned due to health complications. On March 21, 2023 God called the “Maestro to the Master” home for eternal rest. After Bro. Byers resignation, Minister Donalyn White stepped into the role of Minister of Music. She too has become another valuable asset to our Ministerial Team. In 2022 Rev. Tyus informed the church that he would be retiring as Senior Pastor in March 2023. This would allow time for a smooth transition of leadership. Our Pastor served UMBC for 30 of its 60 years. On Sunday February 5, 2023 Rev. Tyus along with Associate Minister Rev. Prier and the late Deacon Sylvester C. Richards, Jr. were elevated to the rank of emeritus for their years of stellar steward in this vineyard. March 31, 2023 marked his official retirement date. On the 1st Sunday of February 2023, Rev. Tyus assumed the role of Pastor Emeritus and Rev. Wright assumed the role of Interim Senior Pastor. Celebrations honoring Rev. Tyus for his steadfast leadership included several events, including a Gospel/Jazz Brunch where Mr. J. Phillip Holloman presented a $25,000 “Greg Tyus Legacy Endowment”; and a Rejoicing Revival was hosted by some of his most prolific preacher partners from Lima, OH, Cincinnati, OH and Louisville, KY. On July 13, 2023 Rev. Wright was elected Senior Pastor of the United Missionary Baptist Church. A life-long member – from the Buds of Promise, a Sunday School teacher, deacon, associate minister, interim Senior Pastor – to God’s chosen Under Shepherd. And on Sunday August 20, 2023 a Sacred Service of Pastoral Consecration and Installation was held. Senior Pastor Rev. Wright accepted the baton from Pastor Emeritus Gregory Tyus and the race continues. Pastor Wright’s first sermon as the newly installed leader was titled “A Necessary Death”; subtitle “I’m Alive in Jesus”. Scripture: Colossians 3:1-6. The past year we have been encouraged to enhance and further elevate love, forgiveness, studying God’s word, servanthood, and ministering beyond the walls of the church building. God continues to bless us. Since January 1, 2023 until November 4, 2024, we have added over 25 members to ‘Team United’. We are definitely ‘still in the race’ - striving to advance the Kingdom of God.
